Kristen Ayers, LISW-S, MSW
Hi there and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! My name is Kristen Ayers, and I am a mental health therapist providing services to all adult clients, with a focus on helping older adults.
My Background
I graduated from the Ohio State University with a Masters in Social Work and have a Specialization in Aging, ADHD, Chronic Illness, Trauma, Grief, Anxiety, and Depression. I am a licensed independent social worker with over 13 years of combined experience, including counseling individuals, groups, and offering grief support to hospice patients. With a focus on CBT, I utilize a combination of modalities to provide a well-rounded approach.
I have a strong background in geriatrics, having spent almost 10 years as a hospice social worker. I have knowledge on various problems associated with aging, such as grief and loss, life after retirement, and caring for a person with a diagnosis of dementia. I am adept at helping caregivers, as well, as they navigate an unfamiliar role. I’m certified with Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Aging by the The Ohio State University Graduate School and the College of Medicine Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology.
I am trained and specialize in treating ADHD in adults and older adults. I dedicate time to explaining why certain ADHD-related struggles occur and where these symptoms come from. I believe you’ll be more motivated to use strategies effectively when you understand both the "why" and "how" behind them. ADHD treatment often involves enhancing executive functioning skills and addressing co-occurring challenges, so we’ll cover any issues—big or small—that impact your daily life.
With my background in geriatric care, I bring a unique understanding of how ADHD affects individuals across their lifespan, particularly for older adults who receive a late diagnosis.
My clients usually are…
I have a lot of passion on helping people who are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as those who are struggling with grief and loss. I work well with people who are feeling misunderstood and need a safe, understanding space to share what they are going through. I love working with people who are open to new ways of thinking about their problems and have a desire to be a part of the positive change they want for themselves. Whether you are 25 or 85, I am here to help!
How can I help?
Taking the first step in therapy can be daunting, and you should be proud of yourself for seeking support. I would love to be able to offer guidance and encouragement to you, and specialize in a more conversational style of therapy to assist in building a comfortable space. If you feel that I may be a good fit for you, please reach out and get in touch with me!
My Specialties:
My top specialties are Aging, Grief, ADHD, Chronic illness, Anxiety/Depression, End-of-life.
Aging
Aging brings significant life changes such as retirement, loss of independence, and physical health challenges. Many older adults struggle with feelings of loss, adjusting to changes in mobility, or facing societal stigmas surrounding aging.
Approach:
Life Review Therapy: Encourages seniors to reflect on their life achievements and values, promoting a sense of purpose.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps address negative thought patterns related to aging, such as fears of dependency or death.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Encourage acceptance and focus on the present, easing anxieties related to aging.
Grief/Loss
Grief often arises from the loss of loved ones, physical abilities, or independence. It can manifest in emotional and physical symptoms, including sadness, anger, guilt, and isolation.
Approach:
Grief Counseling: Supports the expression of emotions related to loss, validating the person’s experience and helping them move through the stages of grief.
Narrative Therapy: Allows clients to reframe their personal stories around loss, helping them find meaning and personal growth in their experiences.
Support Groups: Provide peer support where seniors can share their feelings and hear others’ experiences, fostering a sense of community and validation.
ADHD
ADHD in older adults is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as symptoms such as forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulties in focus may be attributed to aging. However, ADHD in seniors can cause challenges in daily functioning, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Approach:
Executive Functioning Coaching: Provides tools and strategies to help manage time, improve organization, and set routines that support daily functioning.
CBT for ADHD: Helps address impulsive thoughts and behaviors, allowing seniors to develop self-regulation skills.
Medication Management and Psychoeducation: Collaborating with healthcare providers, this approach combines medication with education about ADHD to increase understanding and self-awareness, reducing the frustration and confusion often associated with the condition.
Chronic Illness
Chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, leading to physical limitations, emotional distress, and feelings of helplessness. Seniors dealing with chronic illness often face both the physical pain and the mental burden of managing a long-term condition.
Approach:
Illness Management Therapy: Helps individuals better manage their chronic conditions, addressing both physical and emotional aspects.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages acceptance of chronic pain and illness while focusing on living a value-driven life despite limitations.
Mind-Body Approaches: Techniques such as meditation, relaxation, and guided imagery can help seniors manage pain, stress, and emotional strain associated with chronic illness.
Anxiety and Depression
Older adults often face anxiety and depression due to factors like isolation, health problems, or losing their sense of purpose. These issues can sometimes be overlooked or misattributed to aging itself.
Approach:
CBT: I focus on incorporating CBT as a guiding modality in all of my sessions. The power of the brain is incredible, and we all possess the ability to transform our lives by changing the way we think about the world around us.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a way to help us stay in the present moment, slow down, and be more accepting of who we are, as we are. I use Mindfulness approaches for those experiencing anxiety and panic disorders, as well as those who are struggling to express their emotions or name them.
Strengths-Based: With all clients, I work to focus on their strengths in order to help them harness those strengths to tackle their challenges. Therapy is not just about "fixing" a problem, it is about finding your abilities and uncovering the best ways to use them to your advantage.
These therapeutic approaches can help seniors navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany aging, loss, and other later-life concerns, promoting overall mental health and well-being.
End of Life
Many seniors experience anxiety and uncertainty when facing end-of-life issues. This can include existential fears, unresolved conflicts, or worries about their legacy and the impact on their families.
Approach:
Existential Therapy: Helps individuals explore and confront deep questions about life, death, and meaning, aiming to reduce death anxiety by focusing on life purpose.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Teaches acceptance of life’s inevitable end while encouraging meaningful engagement in the present.
Palliative Counseling: Focuses on providing emotional support during terminal illnesses, helping both the individual and their family cope with the impending loss.